The Ground War 1965-1968

Air and Ground WarIdentify: Ho Chi MinhNgo Dinh DiemVietminhVietcong

Which forces made up the two opposing sides during the Vietnam War?U.S. military and South Vietnamese forces vs. Vietcong and North Vietnamese

Essential Question: What strategies were used by the Americans and the Vietcong in the air and ground war? The Air War 1965-1968N. Vietnamese attack American basesOperation Rolling Thunder: massive air strike in the NorthConcentrated on Ho Chi Minh trailUse of defoliants to expose enemy supply routes (Agent Orange)

Operation Rolling Thunder More bombs dropped on Vietnam than all the bombs dropped by the allies during WWIIU.S. army helicopter spraying Agent Orange

Effects of Agent OrangeVietnamese babies deformed and stillborn after exposure to Agent OrangeA Vietnamese general exposed to Agent Orange

Napalm Fire

Napalm Burn VictimsNapalm: jellied form of gasoline used to destroy farms and forestsCluster Bombs: spray sharp metal fragmentsCarpet bombing: no intended target, cover large area

The Ground War 1965-1968Search and destroy missionsNo territorial goalsVietcong used guerilla tactics and booby trapsWho is the enemy? Farmers by day; guerillas at night.Very patient people willing to accept many casualties.The US grossly underestimated their resolve.

The guerilla wins if he does not lose, the conventional army loses if it does not win.

Vietcong lived in complex tunnel systems under groundEffective for guerilla warfare

Vietcong Tunnel for touristsCassava diet

Punji stick traps: sharpened bamboo sticks hiding under foliage